Rent Skis Like A Pro! - Park City Ski Rental Guide
Rent Skis Like A Pro!
Traveling is one thing most of us love to do, but many of us dread the actual act of getting there these days. Choosing to take a ski vacation can be very expensive, especially having to pack as much as we do for a ski trip. The airlines are charging us for every little thing, even checking luggage. If you want to bring your skis, it seems like you almost need to take out a second mortgage to get them to where you’re going.
The day you arrive for any vacation, especially a ski vacation over the holidays, can always be hectic. You booked your lodging, rental car, airline tickets and maybe even a few dinner reservations. What about ski rentals? If you’ve had it happen, you know it can be a pain to have the guys in the shop tell you they’re sold out and won’t be able to outfit your group and then you are in a mad panic to find another shop to outfit you. Did you know you could reserve your rentals ahead of time? Many rental shops will actually give you discounts for reserving online. All you need is your height, weight, age, skier ability/ boarder stance, and shoe size. This can help your budgeting, but also can help the headaches of the first day. Reservations are always recommended and preferred especially over the holidays. Most shops do have a limited supply of equipment and will sell out of most common sizes during the busier times.
So, you’ve checked in to your condo or hotel and are getting the lay of the land and it’s time to get your rentals all squared away. What kind of skis should you get? There are several types of rental packages out there and it’s important to understand the difference. Many skiers, who think they are not very good, think skis are skis and the price of the rentals is the only thing left to decide. This is not always the case and no matter what your ability, it will always help to have better equipment. There are three basic types or levels of ski and snowboard packages; there are “sport” or entry level, “high performance”, and “demo” packages.
The “sport” packages are generally entry level and the least expensive. They are usually in the $15-25/ day range. These types of packages are fine for kids, first time never-ever skiers, or the super budget conscious. Generally speaking, these types of packages include equipment that is usually low end rental specific skis and boots or equipment that can be several seasons old.
The “high performance” packages are retail quality skis, but made specifically for rental use so they have a different graphic on the ski. These packages are usually in the $35-50/ day range. Usually in this level, most people will be the most pleased as they will be getting good quality equipment and most importantly, good boots. Advanced skiers and beginners alike can ride these skis and have a good time.
The “demo” packages are the highest end packages. For most shops, this is specifically referring to skis/ boards and not boots, although there are a few shops that will demo boots. Demo skis are identical to the skis you would buy off the shelf and are typically the current season’s models. Demos are also a valuable tool in selling skis and some shops will credit you a couple of days towards the purchase price of the new skis. Demos usually run $45-75/ day and most shops will let you trade skis out during your stay. This is great if conditions change and you want a carving ski one day to rip groomers and then switch to a powder specific ski if the conditions call for it. With the way the airlines are, this is the package you want to be in and leave your skis at home. By the time you pay the odd size luggage fees, you would have be able to rent some demos and probably save a few bucks unless you’re staying for more than a long weekend.
Whatever package you decide on remember, skiing is fun and I hope you enjoy your vacation!